Arizona's Most Scenic Man-Made Lakes for Fishing and Boating Arizona's desert landscapes may be rugged and unforgiving, but beneath its arid surface lies a tranquil world of man-made lakes created by dams.

Arizona's Most Scenic Man-Made Lakes for Fishing and Boating

Arizona's desert landscapes may be rugged and unforgiving, but beneath its arid surface lies a tranquil world of man-made lakes created by dams. These hidden gems offer a serene escape from the desert heat, providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating in a picturesque setting.

1. Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Located about 45 minutes north of Phoenix, Lake Pleasant is one of Arizona's largest lakes, covering over 10,000 acres. Created by the construction of the Stewart Mountain Dam in 1927, this lake offers plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake's diverse aquatic life supports a wide range of fish species, including bass, catfish, and trout.

• Best time to visit: September to November or March to May for optimal fishing conditions
• Practical tips: Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat; rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake

2. Canyon Lake

One of Arizona's four major lakes created by dams, Canyon Lake is located in the Tonto National Forest about an hour north of Phoenix. This picturesque lake offers stunning views, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming.

• Best time to visit: October to May for comfortable temperatures and calm water
• Practical tips: Take a scenic drive along the lake's rim trail; rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake

3. Saguaro Lake

Located about an hour north of Phoenix, Saguaro Lake is the third-largest lake in Arizona, covering over 1,200 acres. Created by the construction of the Stewart Mountain Dam, this lake offers stunning views, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities.

• Best time to visit: September to November or March to May for optimal fishing conditions
• Practical tips: Take a scenic drive along the lake's rim trail; rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake

4. Tempe Town Lake

Located in the heart of Tempe, Tempe Town Lake is an urban oasis created by the construction of a dam on the Salt River. This man-made lake offers boating, fishing, and walking opportunities amidst a scenic landscape.

• Best time to visit: October to May for comfortable temperatures and calm water
• Practical tips: Rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake; take a stroll along the lake's walking path

5. Lake Havasu

Located on the Arizona-California border, Lake Havasu is a vast lake covering over 45,000 acres. Created by the construction of the Parker Dam in 1938, this lake offers boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities amidst stunning desert landscapes.

• Best time to visit: September to November or March to May for optimal fishing conditions
• Practical tips: Take a scenic drive along the lake's rim trail; rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake

6. Bartlett Lake

Located about an hour north of Phoenix, Bartlett Lake is a smaller but equally scenic lake created by the construction of the Bartlett Dam in 1919. This lake offers swimming areas, fishing opportunities, and stunning views.

• Best time to visit: October to May for comfortable temperatures and calm water
• Practical tips: Take a scenic drive along the lake's rim trail; rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake

7. Roosevelt Lake

Located about an hour east of Phoenix, Roosevelt Lake is one of Arizona's largest lakes, covering over 20,000 acres. Created by the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam in 1911, this lake offers boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities amidst a scenic landscape.

• Best time to visit: September to November or March to May for optimal fishing conditions
• Practical tips: Take a scenic drive along the lake's rim trail; rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake

8. Lake Mohave

Located on the Arizona-Nevada border, Lake Mohave is a vast lake covering over 28,000 acres. Created by the construction of the Davis Dam in 1947, this lake offers boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities amidst stunning desert landscapes.

• Best time to visit: September to November or March to May for optimal fishing conditions
• Practical tips: Take a scenic drive along the lake's rim trail; rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake

9. Tempe Beach Park Lake

Located in downtown Tempe, Tempe Beach Park Lake is an urban oasis created by the construction of a dam on the Salt River. This man-made lake offers boating, fishing, and walking opportunities amidst a scenic landscape.

• Best time to visit: October to May for comfortable temperatures and calm water
• Practical tips: Rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake; take a stroll along the lake's walking path

10. Lake Pleasant Marina Park Lake

Located about an hour north of Phoenix, Lake Pleasant Marina Park is a scenic spot created by the construction of the Stewart Mountain Dam. This man-made lake offers boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities amidst stunning views.

• Best time to visit: September to November or March to May for optimal fishing conditions
• Practical tips: Take a scenic drive along the lake's rim trail; rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake

Practical Information

Hours of operation may vary depending on the specific lake. Check with each park's website or contact them directly for more information.

Fees:

• Most lakes offer free admission, but some may charge fees for parking or watercraft rentals.
• Contact each park's website or contact them directly for more information.

Location hints:

• Lake Pleasant Regional Park: 1095 W. Watson Ln., Peoria, AZ 85345
• Canyon Lake: Highway 88, Tonto National Forest, Arizona
• Saguaro Lake: Highway 87, Tonto National Forest, Arizona
• Tempe Town Lake: Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281
• Lake Havasu: 1415 Beachcomber Lane, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
• Bartlett Lake: Highway 17, Tonto National Forest, Arizona
• Roosevelt Lake: Highway 87, Tonto National Forest, Arizona
• Lake Mohave: Davis Dam Access Road, Bullhead City, AZ 86429
• Tempe Beach Park Lake: Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281
• Lake Pleasant Marina Park: 1095 W. Watson Ln., Peoria, AZ 85345

Arizona's man-made lakes offer a serene escape from the desert heat, providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating in a picturesque setting. Whether you're an avid angler or simply looking to enjoy the great outdoors, these hidden gems are sure to delight.